Turning Off Frightening Elements in the Horror Game Crow Country is A-OK with Me | Games

aAs mentioned last week, I’m currently immersed in playing Crow Country, a PlayStation 1 style low polygon horror game. Despite not typically being a fan of survival horror games, this one has managed to capture my attention with its tense atmosphere and unexpected surprises. Similar to my experience with The Last of Us, where a text walkthrough helped me prepare for fungal zombies, Alan Wake 2, a game from last year, introduced a partner system to share the controller during tense moments.

Crow Country, like Alan Wake 2, features segments set in an abandoned theme park, a common horror setting in games. However, despite the familiarity, the game still manages to deliver surprising moments. Unlike Alan Wake 2, I found I didn’t need a partner to shield my eyes from potentially frightening situations.

One unique aspect of Crow Country is the ability to eliminate enemies, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the spooky atmosphere while exploring the park, solving puzzles, interacting with characters, and anticipating what lies ahead- without the fear of turning into a mutant zombie. While there were instances where I felt I might have missed out by eliminating enemies, overall the game functions remarkably well.

The option to disable enemy attacks is a feature that some gamers find particularly intriguing. Over the years, the concept of skipping combat scenes has evolved, reflecting a shift towards more accessible gameplay experiences. Games like Grand Theft Auto now offer story modes with reduced combat difficulty, catering to a wider audience. These features, including the ability to skip parts of missions, enhance the overall accessibility of the gaming experience.

Modern games now offer various toggles to cater to different phobias. For instance, arachnophobes can now enjoy games by enabling an arachnophobia mode that removes or replaces spiders in the game world. This mode has become a standard feature in games featuring giant spiders, ensuring a more inclusive gaming experience for all players.

Horizon Forbidden West, with its underwater gameplay, introduced an ogression mode in the Burning Shores expansion to address players’ fear of the ocean. This mode enhances visibility in deep water, prevents sudden encounters, and ensures the protagonist Aloy’s safety. Similarly, games like Sea of Thieves offer features like an auto-float toggle to prevent drowning for players afraid of water.

While these accessibility modes may make the game easier for some players, they do not compromise the developer’s vision. These options aim to make gaming more inclusive and enjoyable for all. In the case of Crow Country, the inclusion of a no-enemy mode allowed me to appreciate a game I may not have otherwise played.

What to play

It’s been a remarkable year for Xbox with the release of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. This sequel to 2017’s Senua’s Sacrifice has received praise for its exceptional performance by lead actress Melina Jurgens. The game portrays the journey of a mentally ill Celtic warrior who confronts the Norseman raiders responsible for her lover’s death, showcasing a powerful narrative and intense action sequences.

While I’ve just started playing it, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 promises to deliver a compelling and immersive experience, albeit with intense themes that may not be suitable for all players.

Available on: Xbox, PC
Estimated play time: 8 hours

What to read

• Grand Theft Auto VI is set to release in the fall of 2025, as confirmed by publisher Take-Two, who are “very confident” about the timing.

• This week, rumors circulate about two major game releases: Valve’s competitive hero shooter and a Star Wars-themed entry in the Total War Strategy Series.

• Ubisoft announced a new Assassin’s Creed game set in Japan, featuring a female ninja and a male samurai inspired by the historical figure Miyabi.

• You can now assist in playing Minecraft with the help of AI technology, highlighting the growing trend of automation in gaming.

What to Click

question block

This week’s reader question pertains to the possibility of a portable version of the N64 console. Our guest expert Keith Stewart sheds light on the topic, explaining that while the market for modern retro consoles is thriving, the feasibility of a portable N64 remains unlikely due to size constraints. Despite enthusiasts’ interest, the demand may not justify the production costs for a portable N64 version.

Analogue, a specialist in retro consoles, has plans for an N64 version named Analog 3D, which promises to replicate the original hardware and offer enhanced features for retro gaming enthusiasts. This upcoming release is set to provide a region-free experience, compatibility with old cartridges, and support for original controllers, albeit at a higher price point.

If you have a question for the Questions block or wish to share feedback about the newsletter, feel free to reply or email us at pushbuttons@theguardian.com.